Greg Kubacki Of Car Bomb Talks Meta, Touring, And More!


car-bomb-interview

Car Bomb has finally released Meta to the world, and as I’ve said before, this is a must own record for 2016. Continue reading


Gojira – Magma


gojira magma album cover ghostcultmag

After losing their mother to cancer in 2015, brothers Joe and Mario Duplantier of Gojira have had to dig deeper than they would have ever wanted to write the follow up to 2012’s much lauded L’Enfant Sauvage (Roadrunner), and this unfortunate event has clearly been at the heart of all aspects of their latest release. From Magma‘s (Roadrunner) muted grayscale artwork to the the record’s lyrical themes and pervading feeling of solemnity, this is a piece of work driven not only by grief but by grim determination.

Reading this, you’d be forgiven for thinking that listening to the album would be a thoroughly depressing experience, but while the background to the record is certainly not the happiest, the music contained within is inherently Gojira. Just a more thoughtful, ambitious and expressive one.

Joe Duplantier turns in what is surely a career best vocal performance, his familiar throaty roar sitting naturally besides quieter and somewhat surprisingly more vulnerable tones, adding further depth and texture which allows the band to wander organically from their familiar path without ever sounding jarring or overtly calculated.

 

Drummer Mario Duplantier excels himself, driving some songs with fierce, occasionally scarily complicated jazz-infused rhythms while allowing others the space and time to breathe by either keeping it simple or backing off completely. Second guitarist Christian Andreu complements his counterpart’s playing as perfectly as ever, and oft-forgotten hero, bass player Jean-Michel Labadie plays his heart out, even taking centre stage with the short Sabbath-esque instrumental ‘Yellow Stone’.

There’s a big Angel Rat (MCA) era Voivod influence on opener ‘The Shooting Star’ and title track ‘Magma’, while ‘Stranded’ and ‘Only Pain’ feature the screeching cat guitar sound that Dimebag Darrell employed in Pantera‘s ‘Becoming’, only with a typically Gojira twist. Songs like ‘Pray’ and ‘Low Lands’ build patiently before exploding with groove-laden, lurching riffs and bursts of speed while ‘The Cell’ is the only song built almost entirely for pace, only slowing down for a mid-paced chorus and yet another crushingly heavy, lumbering riff which it uses to build towards the song’s climax.

Gojira band 2016

 

Recorded at Silver Cord Studio in New York, a studio designed and owned by Joe Duplantier himself, the band have never sounded better. Each instrument is mixed with crystal clarity and the album flows from one song to another perfectly, its mood ebbing and flowing like the tide as you get swept along by wave after wave of aggression and introspection.

While Magma may not be the record some Gojira fans might have expected, there is no question that this is absolutely the album they should have made. Oppressive, cathartic, and thick with raw emotion (especially lyrically), yet uplifting and far more accessible than you’d believe possible, this collection of songs represents a band at the top of their game, allowing themselves to explore and break down more boundaries, while also serving as a fitting eulogy to the memory of the Duplantier’s mother.

9.5/10

GARY ALCOCK

[amazon asin=B01EGTGJ5A&template=iframe image1]


Gojira Cancels Tour Dates Following The Passing Of Joe And Mario Duplantier’s Mother


Gojira, Photo by Hillarie Jason Photography

Gojira, Photo by Hillarie Jason Photography

French extreme metallers Gojira have cancelled several upcoming shows, following the passing of Joe and Mario Duplantier’s mother. The shows affected are:

Jul 06: Rockhal – Esch Sur Alzette, LU

Jul 08: Z7 Konzertfabrik – Pratteln, CH

 

gojira mom

From Facebook:

We are deeply saddened to report that the brothers Joe and Mario Duplantier’s mother, passed away last night. As a…

Posted by Gojira on Sunday, July 5, 2015

 


Gojira Confirm Start Of Tracking New Album


gojira - apollo

Gojira has confirmed that they have began tracking their new album at Silver Cord Studios in New York City, which is owned by band singer and guitarist Joe Duplantier, by posting this photo.

Silver Cord is a brand new recording studio based in New York. Designed and owned by Joe Duplantier of Gojira, the…

Posted by Gojira on Monday, April 6, 2015

Silver Cord is a brand new recording studio based in New York. Designed and owned by Joe Duplantier of Gojira, the studio will serve as the band’s headquarters for the next couple of months as they produce their 6th studio album. Silver Cord will be available to other artists/bands/producers starting June 6th, 2015.For bookings and inquiries visit http://www.silvercordstudio.comSilver Cord Studio on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/silvercordstudio

Posted by Gojira on Monday, April 6, 2015


A Lesson In Stability – An Interview With Gojira


Gojira-2013A gradual career build-up and relentless touring are at the core of Gojira’s current success. Marcus J. West caught up with Joe Duplantier (guitars/vocals) to discuss the band’s touring rigours, the importance of gradual career building, his fondness of nature and opening for Ghost.Continue reading